Ekstra Bladet Acquires Major Stake in Fantasy Sports Platform Swush from Danske Spil

Ekstra Bladet Poised to Elevate Fantasy Sports with Swush Acquisition

Danske Licens Spil, a subsidiary of Danske Spil, has reached a pivotal agreement to sell its 60% ownership in the Swush fantasy sports platform to the Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet. This significant move, pending approval at the Danske Spil general meeting, is set for completion on January 31st. This strategic acquisition reflects the evolving landscape of digital media and gaming, with Ekstra Bladet poised to expand its footprint in the fantasy sports domain.

Enhancing the Fantasy Sports Experience

Swush.com, renowned for offering fantasy sports in Denmark, is also the driving force behind the popular sports management games provider, Holdet.dk. Co-founders Jesper Carstensen and Ole Christensen, who retain a 40% stake, have cultivated Swush.com into a widely embraced gaming universe, boasting over 200,000 users. The acquisition ensures that Holdet.dk will continue operating as an independent brand, enriching the sports experience for its dedicated user base.

Ekstra Bladet’s Vision for Holdet.dk

Signe Skarequist, Ekstra Bladet’s Commercial Director, sees this acquisition as a natural alignment of interests, envisioning great potential in further developing Holdet.dk’s robust position. This move underscores Ekstra Bladet’s ambitions to craft compelling digital media offerings, delivering engaging and relevant content to a broad audience.

Reflecting on Danske Spil’s Successful Stewardship

Under Danske Spil’s stewardship, Swush experienced remarkable growth, as evidenced by its impressive Q3 results, including a 10% year-on-year revenue increase. Nikolas Lyhne-Knudsen, CEO of Danske Spil, expresses pride in Swush’s success and is confident in Ekstra Bladet’s ability to further develop Holdet.dk. This transition aligns with strategic ambitions, promising continued growth and innovation in

the fantasy sports sector.

A New Era for Swush and Fantasy Sports

With the transition of Swush into the hands of Ekstra Bladet, a new chapter begins, promising to infuse fresh perspectives and innovations into the fantasy sports platform. This development is not just a business transaction; it symbolizes the evolving synergy between media and online gaming industries. As Ekstra Bladet integrates Swush’s offerings into its digital portfolio, the focus will be on enhancing user engagement and introducing new features that resonate with the dynamic demands of fantasy sports enthusiasts.

Danske Spil’s Strategic Shift

The sale of its stake in Swush allows Danske Spil to concentrate on its core operations and strategic objectives. By divesting from Swush, Danske Spil can reallocate resources and attention towards other areas of its diverse gaming portfolio. This strategic decision reflects the company’s commitment to adapting and thriving in the ever-changing landscape of the gaming industry.

Implications for the Danish Gaming Market

This acquisition by Ekstra Bladet is more than just a change in ownership; it represents a strengthening of the gaming industry’s framework in Denmark. As Ekstra Bladet takes over Swush, it brings its media expertise and resources, potentially leading to increased visibility and accessibility of fantasy sports in the region. This move could also inspire similar initiatives in the Danish gaming market, encouraging innovation and competition, which are crucial for the industry’s growth and sustainability.

In summary, the transfer of Swush’s ownership from Danske Spil to Ekstra Bladet marks a significant shift in the fantasy sports landscape in Denmark. It opens up new possibilities for innovation, growth, and enhanced user experience in the realm of fantasy sports. As the industry continues to evolve, such strategic collaborations and acquisitions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of online gaming and media integration.